Overview
The Division of Commerce & Industry is one of six divisions under the Economic Sector of the West New Britain Provincial Government. It is responsible for promoting sustainable economic growth through small-to-medium enterprises (SME), trade, industry development, and investment initiatives within West New Britain Province.
Core Functions
The key functions of the Division of Commerce & Industry are extended to the 3 Districts and 12 Local Level Governments within the province. The functions include:
- Commerce, trade, and industrial development
- SME and Local Business Support and Development
- Investment Facilitation and Public-Private Partnership
- Coordination and Oversight of Business Development Initiatives
Key Responsibilities
The Division is responsible for:
- Facilitate people’s business interests and initiate proposals and business opportunities for support and development
- Coordinating business registration and licensing support
- Supporting and promoting local SMEs
- Ensure businesses’ operations comply with government laws and regulations
- Formulation of provincial need policy and strategic planning
- Providing advisory services to entrepreneurs and business operators
- Collaborating with stakeholders and development partners for economic investment initiatives
- Promoting value-added processing and local industries
- Collecting and maintaining data on commercial and industrial activities in the province
Programs & Services
The Division of Commerce & Industry delivers the following programs and services:
- Commerce Management
Provides overall leadership and coordination of commerce activities across the province. The management ensures that policy(s) and plan(s) are formulated in alignment with provincial and national frameworks while promoting sustainable trade and industry development. It is also responsible for strengthening collaboration with stakeholders and development partners for development initiatives in the province.
- Business Development Services
Delivers training, advisory, and support programs to entrepreneurs and SMEs in West New Britain. The focus is on strengthening business skills, business establishment, improving market access, and enabling enterprises to grow and contribute to the provincial economy.
- Investment Promotion
Showcases West New Britain’s economic opportunities to attract both domestic and foreign investors. It facilitates business establishment and investment processes and guides potential investors.
- District Commerce Coordination
The program is established across three provincial districts with a focus on coordinating commerce activities at the district level. It supports LLG functional officers in implementing programs that encourage inclusive participation in trade and business.
- Talasea District Commerce
- Nakanai District Commerce
- Kandrian/Gloucester District Commerce
- LLG Business Development Services
This program is established across 12 LLGs under three districts and being the extensive arm of the provincial commerce division at the LLG Level, officers are designated to work with Local Level Governments (LLGs) to deliver grassroots business support. This includes providing advisory services, helping rural communities establish businesses, providing training, and linking them to markets and financing opportunities.
They serve as a critical liaison between communities and the Provincial Division of Commerce & Industry, ensuring effective implementation of provincial economic initiatives and feedback from the grassroots level.
Structure & Leadership
The division is headed by the Executive Manager, who oversees teams responsible for specific functional areas, including:
- General Office Administration
- Investment Promotion Coordinator
- Small to Medium Enterprise Coordination
- Districts Commerce Coordination (Talasea, Nakanai, and Kandrian Gloucester)
Strategic Focus
The Division of Commerce & Industry is committed to:
- Improving business and investment environment through effective policy implementation, regulatory support, and facilitation of trade and investments.
- Driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth by ensuring micro, small, and medium enterprises are strengthened through promoting value-adding industries across the province.
- Self-empowering rural population for inclusive SME participation and rural industries development.
- Enhancing employment and income-generating opportunities by supporting entrepreneurship, skills development, and local economic initiatives.
- Establishing partnerships and stakeholder coordination with LLGs, national agencies, the private sector, and development partners to deliver desired economic outcomes.
Contact Information
For enquiries related to this division, please contact:
Division: Commerce & Industry
Phone:
Email: benard.bambai@wnbpg.gov.pg
Location: Kimbe, Provincial Headquarters